Lusby, MD – A contract employee was injured during unloading operations at Dominion Cove Point Monday, March 30, company officials stated.
According to a statement from Dominion Energy Communications Director Jim Norvelle, the Kiewit employee was transported by ambulance and then by helicopter to a hospital. Kiewit officials reported the injured worker was flown to Prince George’s Hospital Center.
“The employee was injured during unloading operations for two rebar cages for the liquefaction facility,” Norvelle stated. “Rebar cages are placed into the ground and used to reinforce concrete that is poured around them to construct pilings.”
There is no word on the current condition of the worker or the nature of his injuries at this time.
“The safety of those who work on our projects is our most fundamental value and top priority,” stated Kiewit spokesman Tom Janssen. “The lead contractor, IHI/Kiewit Cove Point, AJV, is conducting a thorough investigation and working closely with Dominion, and other state and local authorities.”
When contacted, Janssen told The Bay Net Tuesday afternoon that the worker remains hospitalized but the extent of injuries sustained cannot be divulged at this time. Janssen confirmed that the appropriate notification of federal authorities regarding the work accident has been made but he is not certain of what role agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration would play in the investigation of the incident.
“Similar operations and work in the area of the incident remain suspended,” Janssen added late Tuesday afternoon.
The accident has given ammunition to foes of the ongoing construction project at the Cove Point plant. The building of a $3.8 billion liquefaction unit will give Dominion the capability to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to foreign countries.
“Workers are getting hurt,” stated Calvert Citizens for a Healthy Community spokeswoman Tracey Eno, in remarks delivered Tuesday, March 31 to the Calvert County Commissioners. “If the construction phase is any indicator, how far are you going to let it go before you demand a safety study? Will it take a tragedy—someone being killed—to give you a reason to man up and protect our community?”
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com